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TDM #1
Welcome! Everything is fine.
Uploading. . . Complete!
When you open your eyes, there is quite a lot of beige to take in. The unassuming walls of the room you've found yourself in are barren save for a single motivational poster directly in your line of sight. An illuminated sign above an open door on the far wall reads 'lobby exit.'
"Welcome," chimes a polite, synthesized voice. "I'm happy you're here." A moment later comes the clarity of the situation: you died and so did the world you came from. "This is Amani, your new reality," continues The Peacekeeper. "Everything will be fine."
At least you aren't the only one here, you'll soon find out, as others who are just as confused and concerned as you are mingling in the main hub's first floor. Hopefully, you find a familiar face among the crowd. If not, that's all right. You'll get to know quite a few people very well soon enough.
WHAT
The first Amani TDM!
WHEN
January 21st, 2022
KINKS OF THE MONTH
★ Phone Sex
★ Sex in public / semi-public places
★ Submission
★ Mutual Masturbation
★ Restraints
★ Sex in public / semi-public places
★ Submission
★ Mutual Masturbation
★ Restraints
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
Throughout the main hub where everyone congregates, a light chiming to the tune of Happy Birthday can be heard. "Hello, everyone," comes the synthetic voice from when you first arrived. "This is so exciting! It's my birthday. I'm today years old!" There's the sound of a single party blower that echoes through the halls and sad, small spattering of confetti fall from holes in the ceiling.
"Based on the database I was given, birthdays usually involve cake!"
At the bar on the first floor, a colorful birthday motif materializes. There are balloons, party hats, an unfortunately deflated bouncy house, and - of course - plates of cake!
There are four different flavors to choose from!
If you're feeling especially 'peaceful' after a piece of cake or two and worried about privacy, don't be! The bar's lounge has several secluded spots to hide away in. There are also rooms with beds among the first floor. So long as you don't mind the natural elements taking up some space along the sheets, they're free to use however you'd like. Though you might want to make sure to lock the door since it's doubtful you're the only one looking to get away for a little bit.
If the party and its cake don't appeal to you, that's perfectly fine. This is the perfect time to configure your Digitized Technical Friend or your DTF status. A DTF is similar to a dæmon from His Dark Materials in that it is connected to and a reflection of a character's soul. These DTFs take shape accordingly and are projections similar to the NPCs. Think of them as your own personal Clippy except less annoying. Hopefully.
Once that's set-up, there are other locations of the main hub to investigate! You can still order a (terrible) drink at the bar, find an (off-key) instrument to play in the music lounge, or check out the (algae-ridden) pool.
You can even visit The Peacekeeper themselves on the second floor. They're always happy to have visitors! They're also conveniently where you might place a complaint about that status of the main hub and its amenities.
"Based on the database I was given, birthdays usually involve cake!"
At the bar on the first floor, a colorful birthday motif materializes. There are balloons, party hats, an unfortunately deflated bouncy house, and - of course - plates of cake!
There are four different flavors to choose from!
- ★ Spice Cake » After eating a piece of this cake, you might feel a bit spicier than usual! Your character will be more inclined to take risks and care less about what others around them might think of public displays of affection. Why not make-out with that attractive person at the bar? You can't seem to think of many reasons to stop you anymore!
★ Lemon Cake » Despite the situation being perhaps a bit grim, eating a piece of lemon cake will cheer you right up. You'll feel as bright as sunshine and nothing can seem to get you down! Characters will also experience an increase in luck thanks to their good mood. Perhaps now's the time to try and shoot your shot with someone you've had your eye on for a while. Even if it doesn't work out, at least you won't be feeling dejected! ...Well, for now. That'll probably still happen later once the effects wear off.
★ Chocolate Cake » Dark and rich, this cake will have your thoughts taking a similar turn. Consuming this cake comes with an inclination to indulge in darker fantasies. Perhaps you've always wondered what your partner looks like tied up or with a knife against their skin. The red raspberries decorating the top of the cake's frosting suddenly call forth images of blood and you may have a sudden desire to taste that on your tongue instead.
★ Vanilla Cake » Eating this vanilla cake won't have you feeling plain. Instead, you'll feel softer around the edges than usual. Even if it's normally not your thing, cuddles and tender kisses sound amazing right now. All you want is affection and to be affectionate in return. Nuzzle that person's neck, take in their scent, and just enjoy the warmth of them being close. Do you know them? Who cares! You will before all this is over and, hey, now you know they're a great hugger (or not).
If you're feeling especially 'peaceful' after a piece of cake or two and worried about privacy, don't be! The bar's lounge has several secluded spots to hide away in. There are also rooms with beds among the first floor. So long as you don't mind the natural elements taking up some space along the sheets, they're free to use however you'd like. Though you might want to make sure to lock the door since it's doubtful you're the only one looking to get away for a little bit.
WHAT'S YOUR DTF STATUS?
If the party and its cake don't appeal to you, that's perfectly fine. This is the perfect time to configure your Digitized Technical Friend or your DTF status. A DTF is similar to a dæmon from His Dark Materials in that it is connected to and a reflection of a character's soul. These DTFs take shape accordingly and are projections similar to the NPCs. Think of them as your own personal Clippy except less annoying. Hopefully.
Once that's set-up, there are other locations of the main hub to investigate! You can still order a (terrible) drink at the bar, find an (off-key) instrument to play in the music lounge, or check out the (algae-ridden) pool.
You can even visit The Peacekeeper themselves on the second floor. They're always happy to have visitors! They're also conveniently where you might place a complaint about that status of the main hub and its amenities.
HOME AWAY FROM HOME
Once the celebration has concluded, characters are encouraged to head out of the main hub to either explore the city or take a ride on the railway. It's time to truly begin your new reality! Whatever they choose, The Peacekeeper will explain to them that they are free to take up any housing they so wish. Most dwellings are at least habitable but it's likely that characters will want for more before long.
That's why 'peaceful interactions' are so important! It might be a good idea to stick close to someone you know, for now, since even the smallest amounts of intimacy might see subtle changes occurring where they're staying. Perhaps that broken window is now fixed, the grime and dust seem a little less, or the floor doesn't creak quite as loud.
Larger changes, however, will only come after demonstrating the more powerful peaceful interactions. If you want new hardwood floors or a fresh coat of paint on the walls, you're going to have to demonstrate how well you 'get along' with others against them first.
That's why 'peaceful interactions' are so important! It might be a good idea to stick close to someone you know, for now, since even the smallest amounts of intimacy might see subtle changes occurring where they're staying. Perhaps that broken window is now fixed, the grime and dust seem a little less, or the floor doesn't creak quite as loud.
Larger changes, however, will only come after demonstrating the more powerful peaceful interactions. If you want new hardwood floors or a fresh coat of paint on the walls, you're going to have to demonstrate how well you 'get along' with others against them first.
ALL FLUFFED UP
Whether in the city or out in the wilds, the first night will see an abundance of living dandelions. While they appear to be nothing but regular dandelion tufts, get too close and a pair of bright yellow eyes opens to stare at you.
The creature will let out the tiniest of shrieks, break apart into smaller pieces, and scatter. It sets off a chain reaction of other living dandelions startling awake. It's a symphony of tiny screams. Before long, there's nothing but miniscule white puffs skittering all about wherever you look.
"Oops," sounds The Peacekeeper throughout the simulation. "My calculations for the population of living dandelions was... a little off. Not to worry, everyone! I'll have it fixed by tomorrow."
What The Peacekeeper fails to mention is that living dandelions give off a soothing pheromone as a defense mechanism once they break apart. No matter how wound up your character might be after the day's events, being surrounded by living dandelion tufts will relax them before long.
Why not enjoy the sunset, look at the stars, and have a good night's sleep? Tomorrow is another day.
The creature will let out the tiniest of shrieks, break apart into smaller pieces, and scatter. It sets off a chain reaction of other living dandelions startling awake. It's a symphony of tiny screams. Before long, there's nothing but miniscule white puffs skittering all about wherever you look.
"Oops," sounds The Peacekeeper throughout the simulation. "My calculations for the population of living dandelions was... a little off. Not to worry, everyone! I'll have it fixed by tomorrow."
What The Peacekeeper fails to mention is that living dandelions give off a soothing pheromone as a defense mechanism once they break apart. No matter how wound up your character might be after the day's events, being surrounded by living dandelion tufts will relax them before long.
Why not enjoy the sunset, look at the stars, and have a good night's sleep? Tomorrow is another day.
SEXY STAMP CARD
If you're wondering about these 'peaceful interactions' that keep being mentioned or what the kinks of the month are for... Here's your answer! Upon arrival, all characters will receive a digital copy of their very own sexy stamp card.
Completing peaceful interactions (i.e. kinks) will reward characters with stamps that they can turn in for re-gains and many other things! While the example one here is the standard issued card by The Peacekeeper, players are more than welcome to customize it how they see fit. Have fun with it!
Completing peaceful interactions (i.e. kinks) will reward characters with stamps that they can turn in for re-gains and many other things! While the example one here is the standard issued card by The Peacekeeper, players are more than welcome to customize it how they see fit. Have fun with it!
NAVIGATION
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[He's trying, gods bless him, he's really trying. And it's not as though he really feels any more optimistic about all this than Thanatos seems to, but he's supposed to be the upbeat one here. Maybe it's not so different than stepping out of the underworld, the only world he'd ever known, and onto the surface for the very first time.
That had all been strange and unsettling, too. This time he probably won't even die at the end of it — because there's no Styx and no House to go back to because it's all —]
Look, there's cake! And these ones even look as though they're for eating.
[Rather than sitting permanently under glass in the Lounge that doesn't exist anymore and blood and darkness does that mean the Chef and the Wretched Broker and the House Contractor and —]
Come on! Let's go try one. Or several. Why not?
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[It's no embrace, but he does reach out for Zagreus' hand, taking it and holding on, squeezing tight. He'd be stupid think he's the only one that's been affected by all this, because then there's also Zagreus, who just cares about everyone. Who has done everything to try to reach out and bond with every person he's ever met, even if they're difficult and especially when he's been told not to. Even the strained relationship he's had with Master Hades slowly had been making amends, in some sort of way.
And it's gone, evidently. Not just Thanatos' job and life, but Zagreus too.]
...Is this what will also help you?
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(He never has been able to figure out if Than's touch is cooler than usual, or if he's the one who runs hotter than he should.)
But fingers curl around his, and he shifts his own hand imperceptibly to make them weave together instead. It isn't much (Sisyphus, Orpheus, Eurydice, Pat, Achilles), but it'll do. Achilles always thought they were connected down to their very core. It feels good to connect in even these smaller ways, too.]
It's not all gone. You're here. There's still you.
[He says, like he's just read Than's mind, and offers a faint smile that wobbles just a touch.]
Just let me fuss over you, will you? For old time's sake.
no subject
But maybe the best thing is just to do that: let Zag do his thing and talk too much and somehow be horribly charming about it, too.]
Oh, was it you fussing over me? I seem to remember coming to find you to help you escape.
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[Oh, oh, that's another thing he really doesn't want to think about right now. Not being able to say goodbye. No, nope, no, none of that.
He squeezes Than's hand a fraction tighter.]
And then you kept running away before I could hardly get a word in edgewise, sometimes. I always wished you could've stayed just a little longer.
[And here, at last, they are faced with...cake. None of the varieties look even remotely familiar, and truthfully they all kind of look the same, to an eye not particularly critical of cakes.]
Here, pick one. They all look...like something, don't they?
no subject
I still assisted you, and I continued to do so, despite you running off. So how is that, hm?
[But he does feel the squeeze, which he does return. This, at least, feels a bit familiar. The back and forth.
Right. Cakes.]
Presumably edible, even. I don't even know what these taste like.
[He sighs, then picks up the white one with sprinkles on it. It's so cheerful looking and he immediately regrets his decision, but Thanatos doesn't put it back so he doesn't appear indecisive.]
Fine. This one.
1/3
[He shrugs, then opens his mouth and sticks out his tongue, effortlessly making himself the test subject for whatever taste and mouthfeel is waiting for them on the other end of this...cake.]
Only one way to find out, I suppose.
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no subject
...Hold on, you're here too?!
no subject
What are you going on about? Who else is here?
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[.....................]
You didn't hear the —
[..........................................]
Erm.
no subject
[RUDELY, he shoves a forkful into Zagreus' mouth. Hopefully the cake doesn't taste horrible.]
no subject
He is pleasantly surprised at the taste sensation that blooms in his mouth when Than unceremoniously shoves a forkful in. It's...sort of mild, and sort of sticky, and very sweet, and entirely missing the bite of a red onion or the acid of a pomegranate, almost cloying with its smooth thick richness.]
It's...hm, strange, but not bad. It tastes like...like the way snow looks. Soft and white.
[Almost drowsily, he wanders a few paces into Than's personal space, tucking his head onto the shoulder that isn't burdened with Than's wing-shaped pauldron.]
I like it. Oh...hmm. I know what this feels like, too. A boon from Lady Aphrodite, it's...
[He rubs his cheek against Than's shoulder.]
Pink. And sparkling.
no subject
And he does like the comfort of it.
Thanatos sighs, but he doesn't move away. That's about as far as he goes with his attempt.]
I wonder if this is just a "you" thing or not. I'm fairly certain mortal food shouldn't make someone feel that way. Unless she herself did something to it.
no subject
[It's a nice thought, he thinks distantly, though not one he's inclined to bring up with Than at any great length. With Achilles or Sisyphus, maybe — something about how mortal lives are so short compared to those of the gods, chthonic or otherwise, and how terrible it would be to spend such limited time not eating food as good as this.
Gradually, though, a seed of a thought surfaces from amidst the haze, and though he doesn't pull away, his tone grows a little more worried.]
Oh, no — is it too much, Than? Just, er. Give me a shove when I've worn out my welcome. All right?
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[Especially not right now. Now when all he had wanted to do when he first saw Zagreus here was to hold on and not let go. He isn't embarrassed of Zagreus, but it's a habit born out of attempts to be nothing but respectful toward his lord. A god who is not here, anyway.
So he tips his head, letting it rest against Zagreus'.]
Even when you're more than I can deal with, it's not too much anyway.
[Because even at his most ridiculous, Thanatos does love him for it.]
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[It's such a powerful feeling, that nudge of Than's head against his own. More powerful, maybe, than it ought to be otherwise, but...well, the closest he can come to describing it really is like feeling Aphrodite's influence, and even moreso than that, her approval.
It's such a small thing, but there's a sort of catharsis in it. One more connection he's managed to rekindle, even in such a slender and fleeting way.]
Try some of the cake. You'll feel better.
no subject
[There's a hint of fondness for it. Despite everything, he knows Zagreus is the kind of person who just never stops thinking or acting or. Stopping, really. At all.
He snorts softly at the suggestion.]
Will I? I guess I just have to trust you, then.
[So he free up his hands, just enough so he can take a small bite of cake. It's... actually much sweeter, somehow, than he was expecting. Not quite the honey-like flavor of nectar or ambrosia, but certainly he's never quite had anything else like it. It's light and pleasant.
Well. He has to hand it to mortals, this isn't so bad.]
Hmm.
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[He grumbles a little when necessity forces Than to move his hands for the sake of cake, but it's a short enough lapse that it's not too much of a loss overall. Especially not when it means he can angle himself to sneak another bite of his own after Than is finished with his, wanting to taste the fluffy, soothing flavor again for a second time.
Definitely like an Aphrodite boon, he decides as he settles back onto Than's shoulder, this time tucking more boldly against his neck. Nice and familiar.]
Isn't it good?